When you’re on the road the place you rest your head during the night could eat up a big chunk of your budget. However, don’t fret because there are plenty of options for finding budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodation.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option – we want to get the most value for our dollars. We’re not as keen on roughing it as much as we used to have been, however we would like to save money.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on a number of factors like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- The size of your team
- Your interests are important to you
Be aware that obtaining an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a hotel you want. Our goal is to help you save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments due to their bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re taking an extended trip across the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and lowering your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to choose a hotel that is cheap if it’s miles away from all amenities and you need to shell out more money for transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near airports, public transportation and activities like beaches, restaurants, and parks.
Stay more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for two or more nights. Sometimes you can even stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less crowded on Sundays therefore you might be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. So, avoid tourist crowds, and also save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive in the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between the peak season and off-peak), you can cut costs while avoiding crowds and have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you come across. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Many hotels and vacation rental companies offer loyalty programs in which guests can accumulate points or discount on future stays.
Book early or last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can offer a better price or, in other instances staying up till the very last moment may get you a discount.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly through a hotel or holiday rental, don’t be afraid to ask for an improved rate or additional features. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or homes, can be a great option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you have a credit or debit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be certain to read the fine print before booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer promotions or discounts for students, military personnel, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals can be found at smaller, independent hotels or holiday rentals that aren’t popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, look for pet-friendly options. Some places offer special deals or discounts for guests who have pets.
Utilize social media
Many vacation and hotel accommodations have special deals or discounts that they advertise on social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is when you exchange houses with someone else which allows you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. It can be a wonderful way to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a group of people renting a campervan or RV can be a great option to save on accommodations. Plus, you’ll be able to travel around the world and have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers that aren’t available to the general public. Plus, they can conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
Booking a hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could occasionally save money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly option for solo travelers or groups. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo are able to provide cheaper and exclusive accommodation options such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large group.
As a bonus here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers such as T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Make sure to go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Like with accommodations It is not uncommon to find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Consider buying used or recycled luggage. This can be a great option to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find gently used luggage in near excellent quality. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice security and comfort. With a bit of investigation and creativity you can locate the perfect place to stay within your budget and incredible bargains on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking late or at the last minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and exploring other options such as home-sharing platforms and vacation rentals You can extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.